Achievement

I can't say enough of how proud I am of all three of my children this year. They've all carried straight A's for the year in reading, math, spelling, and language. We were once again blessed with just the right teacher who brought out the very best in each of them. They all worked very hard on their math facts and AR goals and recieved awards.

Jax and Delaney were able to attend a field trip to Incredible pizza for being a top reader in their class (Jax came from behind to beat Baylor by a point. He was determined to earn a spot to Incredible Pizza). As a reading teacher, I know all the research and thoughts for and against Accelerated Reader. However, I can see it's value in motivating young students. While my kids enjoy reading, I do think it pushed and motivated them.

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After Little Olympics, we returned to the school where the top three students were recognized in each first grade class for AR Achievement. However, we were pleasantly surprised when they announced that Delaney was not only the top reader in her class, but the entire first grade. She was also quite surprised and very pleased to accept her additonal award. For a reading teacher mama, that's close to the academy award! J/K. I can't say as I can take much credit. While, I sometimes have to encourage/nudge the boys along in reading, she motivates herself all on her own. Once again seeing so many of my "own" students struggle with reading, I am extremely grateful that my own children have experienced early success with reading. When it comes down to it, I really don't care how many points they earn in AR, as long as they find joy in reading.

Back in class, Mrs. Davison presented some fun awards to each student. Jax and Baylor, along with their friend Layne received the "3 Muskateer" award for being inseperable. Delaney earned the "life saver" award for always being willing to help.

As I sat in their classroom, I just couldn't help but think how fast this year has flown by.

Little Olympics

While the kids have been busy with end of the year field trips and activities, we haven't been able to attend much. However, we both were able to make it the the First Grade Little Olympics, which was a lot of fun. Each student competed in 4 events: baseball throw, 30 yard dash, ball dash, and obstacle course. Previous to this day, they held qualifications and a student(s), with the best time ,in the three leg race, wheel barrow, and sack race were chosen to represent their class. Delaney represented her class in the girls 3 leg race and sack race. Jax represented his class in the boys 3 leg race. I think the crowd and student favorite came at the end during tug-of-war. Mrs. Davison's class fought hard for a second place finish.

Jax ended up with 3rd place in the 3 leg race, 3rd baseball throw, 3rd in 30 yard dash, 6th in obstacle course and 8th in big ball dash.

Baylor placed 2nd in the 30 yard dash, 5th in big ball dash, and 6th in baseball throw.

Delaney earned 1st in sack race, 1st in obstacle course, 1st in baseball throw, 1st in 3 leg race, 2nd in 20 yard dash, 3rd in obstacle course, 8th in big ball dash.

They are already looking forward to Second Grade Olympics!

Easter

Yes, Easter was a month ago, but my lap top was down, I was busy, and pretty much just neglectful when it came to keeping this updated. So, here's the belated Easter highlight. What should have been a warm beautiful sunny Easter, turned out to be cold and wet. While we missed some of the outdoor activities, the kids had a blast playing with their cousins

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Girls weekend in Dallas

The first weekend in April, Delaney and I embarked on our first girls trip to Dallas. Delaney's dance group scored probably a once in a life time opportunity to perform at a Dallas Mavericks game. She was to perform on Friday evening but when in Dallas, one must shop so we invited Carole and Grace to come along for some fun girl time on Saturday.

I won't lie. Friday was a bit stressful. I realized how much I have come to depend on my navigational expert and security person in general, I call my husband. We had to arrive at the American Airlines Center very early so the girls could rehearse. It also meant, it would be Friday rush hour. In an attempt to avoid the traffic, difficulty of navigating downtown and parking, I opted to take the DART rail. It seemed easy enough on paper but in reality maybe not the best choice. At one point, we had to switch rails downtown which was a bit confusing and then let's just say we met some very interesting people along the way. I'm not one to be concerned with safety, but maybe because I was with my little girl, I was definitely feeling a bit insecure about our situation. Let's just say I was continually praying for our safety.

I didn't get the best of pictures or video. Upon arrival, I realized why our tickets were so cheap. We were WAY up in the stands and they actually performed to the other side. The performance groups combined and performed Thriller and did an awesome job.

Saturday, we enjoyed some outlet shopping. I learned that Delaney is a complete natural. Of course it was really fun to hang out with one of my oldest and dearest friends, but I also enjoyed shopping with my little girl who is growing up more and more with each passing day. She also enjoyed shopping and some one-on-one time. I am so thankful that God gave me a precious girl and I see lots of fun girl weekends ahead in our future.

No longer a Ranger

After the Rangers disolved, Jax joined the Cobra's. Baseball practice started the day after wrestling ended. I wondered if he would be up for it, but he was more excited than ever. When Baylor asked Jax if he was planning to play football, he replied, "I don't know. I'm focusing on baseball!" I'm sure he will change his mind as he seems to really enjoy sports, not to mention he was in tears when football ended last season.

So far, the team is 3-1. We have a long season ahead and our schedule really picks up next week. Delaney also begins her softball league play next week, so if the rain holds off, we will be spending many of our nights at the ball park.

Father/Daughter Dance

Delaney couldn't have been more excited to attend her first school dance and she had a blast.

What I like most about this dance is her date. I wonder if we can keep it this way?

Dance, baseball, softball, soccer...Oh My!

Baylor wasn't interested in playing baseball this season. He's mentioned several times over the past year that he was interested in playing soccer. After seeing him take an even stronger interest in soccer the past few weeks, we decided it was time to let him give it a try. Sign-ups and the season have been under way for the past two weeks, but to our surprise a friend had an opening, so we were able to get him on a team. After two practices, he played in his first game today. He did remarkably well, considering it was his first game. He had a blast and even scored a goal. I have to say, the boy has been blessed with the gift of speed and soccer just may be the sport that he can really use it to his advantage. Most of all, we were just so excited to see him be proud and confident of his abilities.

He is just beyond thrilled that this is "his" thing and he's not sharing the spotlight and/or competing with his brother. Obviously, it's been easier on us to have the boys play the same sport and be on the same team, but we know they are individuals and we want them to each feel successful. For Baylor, that means pursuing something of his own without Jax.

I thoroughly enjoy watching my children in whatever they are involved in. However, if my head spins between now and the end of May, everyone will know why. I am just thankful that we live in a small town and practice fields are close to one another.